Algebraic equations and geometric forms are useful in teaching and learning composition. Algebraic equations can illustrate the modular nature of paragraph structures and can be refined by students to describe types of paragraphs. Discussion of the "slippery" nature of words and their power of transformation can be a lecture topic as the class learns to gain control of writing by imposing mathematical order. The use of geometric forms allows students to study both form and the composing process. For instance, given geometric forms representing a room and furniture, and seeing that moving one piece around forces other changes, the student may be sensitized to the furniture of a sentence and discover the interrelationship of its parts. Allowing students to play with algebraic and geometric forms establishes analogies for studying forms in language and for developing creativity and critical skills. However, the movement of geometric forms is generally useful to the entire class while algebra seems useful only to a select group. (TJ)